How to optimise inventory control in hospital pharmacy and in the pharmaceutical industry


Inventory control is one of the most sensitive and strategic gears in the pharmaceutical area, whether in the hospital or industrial environment. Effective management avoids waste, ensures patient safety and maintains regulatory compliance.

Although the contexts are different, both require organisation, continuous monitoring and data-driven decisions. Next, see specific strategies for each scenario:

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In hospital pharmacy: focus on agility and patient safety

In the hospital, the stock is directly linked to care. Any failure can compromise the treatment.

How to optimise:

1.ABC x Criticality Rating

•Organise medications by volume of use (ABC) and clinical criticality. This helps to prioritise the replacement of essential inputs.

2. Replacement point and minimum stock

•Establish safe inventory levels, based on replacement time, average demand and disruption risks.

3.Regular inventories

•Perform periodic counts (cyclical and general) to identify losses, malfunctions or deviations.

4.Integration with the electronic medical record

•Automating the output of items with the actual use of the patient facilitates traceability and reduces errors.

5.Traceability and cold chain

•Ensure temperature and validity control, with records that allow quick recall, if necessary.

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In the pharmaceutical industry: focus on traceability and compliance

In the industry, the inventory involves raw material, packaging materials and finished product. The impact affects production, quality and distribution.

How to optimise:

1.MRP (Material Needs Planning)

•Use planning systems integrated into production to predict and automate the replacement of inputs.

2.WMS (Warehouse Management System)

•Automate the movement and location of items in warehouses, with barcode or RFID reading.

3.Batch control and FIFO/FEFO

•All movements must be made based on batches and expiration dates, ensuring traceability and compliance with GMP.

4. Internal audits

•Routinely evaluate the storage, receipt and shipping processes to maintain regulatory standards.

5.Integration with strategic areas

•Communication between Supply Chain, Quality, Production and Regulatory is essential to avoid bottlenecks and deviations.

⸻

Conclusion: technology + process = healthy stock

Regardless of the environment, the secret to efficient inventory control lies in standardisation, constant monitoring and use of technology. Well-integrated systems, trained staff and defined protocols make all the difference.

And in your reality: is the stock an ally or a challenge?

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